$50 Million Annual Giving Record

Date: 11/02/2007

Total Private Giving to San José State During 2006-2007
Double That of Any Previous Year in University's 150-Year History

Contact: Pat Lopes Harris, 408-924-1748

SAN JOSE, Calif., -- San José State received $50 million in private giving during the 2006-2007 academic year, nearly double that of any previous year in the university's 150-year history, President Don W. Kassing announced Thursday evening at the Presidential Gala, the grand finale for SJSU's sesquicentennial celebration for 700 supporters at the Fairmont San Jose.

"Each of you who have made gifts have invested in our future. You are helping us to make it a shining reality," President Kassing said. "We thank you for your confidence in us and your commitment to our vision. In the years ahead, your support will directly impact the growing influence of this university on the region, our nation and the world."

Private giving to San José State has increased steadily in recent years. The previous high was $26.4 million during the 2005-2006 academic year. Such gifts support student scholarships, faculty development, new programmatic initiatives and the campus' endowment.

Major gifts received during 2006-2007 include the following: $15 million for the College of Engineering from Charles W. Davidson, B.S. Civil Engineering '57; $10 million for the College of Education from Connie L. Lurie, B.A. Elementary Education and Psychology '64; and $4 million for the College of Engineering from Donald R. Beall, B.S. Metallurgical Engineering '60.

The Presidential Gala was attended by civic, corporate and philanthropic leaders in addition to administration, faculty, staff, students and alumni. The sold-out event included dinner, dancing and a program focusing on SJSU's recent achievements and bright future based on 150 solid years of progress. Former CNN anchor Valerie Coleman Morris, B.A. Journalism '68, served as mistress of ceremonies.

San José State -- Silicon Valley's largest institution of higher learning with 30,000 students and 4,000 employees -- is part of the California State University system. SJSU's 154-acre downtown campus anchors the nation's 10th largest city.

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